Philosophy of Humanity and Culture
Delve into the history of modern and contemporary continental philosophy. Analyze texts and theories of some of the greatest thinkers of our time to gain a deeper understanding of humanity and society. Use this to shed new light on fundamental questions about art, culture, identity, and being human. This program can also be followed part-time. Philosophy of Humanity and Culture is a track of the MA Philosophy.
National Student Survey, 2023 | n = 46 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
National Alumni Survey, 2021 | n = 7 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)
Elsevier Beste Studies 2022 & Keuzegids Universiteiten 2023
Program and courses
Gain a deep understanding of classic texts from the history of modern, postmodern and contemporary philosophy. This will allow you to reflect on fundamental questions related to art, culture and humanity. The track covers the most important 20th-century and contemporary movements in European philosophy, such as existentialism, postcolonialism, poststructuralism, aesthetics, phenomenology and media philosophy.
Address essential philosophical questions such as:
What is the meaning of art and culture for human experience?
How can art help us deal with loss, trauma, and war?
To what extent do 'gender' and 'race' play a role in the formation of identities?
What is the relationship between philosophy and psychoanalysis?
What is the relationship between truth and democracy?
What impact do social media have on the public debate in post-truth times?- Profit from small-scale working methods with a great deal of interaction, which enables in-depth analysis and discussion with fellow students and lecturers.
- This program can also be followed part-time.
Philosophy of Humanity and Culture is a track of the MA Philosophy. You always choose one of the tracks.
Typical courses are:
- Enlightenment and Counter-Enlightenment
- Identity, Race and Gender
- Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious
- Trauma and Art

Career prospects
After graduation you are MA in Philosophy, with a specialization in Philosophy of Humanity and Culture. You will be a creative and critical thinker with good historical knowledge and excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills. You can use this knowledge and these skills to shed new light on fundamental questions about humanity, identity, culture and society.
The knowledge, insights and skills you acquire in this track, offer a solid foundation for a career in the cultural sector, research, education, journalism, policymaking and counselling.
Examples of positions in which our alumni are employed:
- Editor at Kunstlicht, academic journal for art, visual culture, and architecture
- Managing Director at KTAprodukties
- Policy Officer Social Domain at a Dutch Municipality
- Senior Researcher at ETZ hospital
Alumni facts
- Average number of months between graduation and first job: 4.6
- 86% would choose this program at Tilburg University again
Source: National Alumni Survey 2021 | n = 7 (Master Philosophy, all tracks)

Application and admission
This program starts:
End of August and End of January (both the Master’s and the Pre-Master’s program)
Best preparatory programs:
Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy or - combined with the pre-Master - a Bachelor’s degree in another relevant field.
Pre-Master's program:
Open to both Research University students and students of a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO).
Tuition fees and scholarships
International students find all information about tuition fees and scholarships here.
Interested in this master's program?
More information on this Master's program
Download the brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, housing and immigration matters, and student life in Tilburg. Throughout the year you can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.
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13:30 - 16:00
Campus Experience
Are you curious about life as a student at Tilburg University, or not sure which university you want to attend? Join our Campus Experience on January 31 or February 21! Discover our compact and green campus with one of our students and find out if Tilburg University is your future home.
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To be announced
Get to know Tilburg University - Orientation Webinar for Master's programs
Are you curious about the experiences of international students like you? Join our Get to know Tilburg University Webinar led by our international team and discover what it is like to study at Tilburg University! It is your one-hour introduction to studying in the Netherlands, the city of Tilburg, and our university. The next Orientation Webinar is taking place at the beginning of February 2024.
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To be announced
Application and Admission - Webinar for Master’s programs
Are you interested in a Master’s program at Tilburg University, and do you want to know more about the application procedure for international students? Take the first step towards a successful application by joining our Application and Admission Webinar for our Master’s programs. The next webinar is taking place at the beginning of February 2024.
Interested in the Philosophy of Humanity and Culture track?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application